The event is free and open to the public. The goal of the workshop is to provide information and assistance to homeowners who may be in jeopardy of going into foreclosure, homeowners currently in foreclosure, available community resources and anyone who is interested in learning more about the state's new foreclosure mediation law. In addition, the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit will be available to assist anyone who has been a victim of a mortgage modification scam.

"As our economy continues to struggle, Rhode Island's housing market remains fragile, and too many homeowners are still at risk of losing their homes. This workshop brings together the many local, state and federal resources and assistance programs that are available to homeowners," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. "It will also provide homeowners an opportunity to speak with representatives from Rhode Island Housing to learn more about the state's new foreclosure mediation program. This new law which will ensure that every Rhode Island homeowner who is having trouble making their mortgage payments has the opportunity to communicate directly with their lender to try and find a solution that will help them get back on track with their mortgage and remain in their home."

"I've worked hard as Mayor to address the local impacts of the national foreclosure crisis," said Mayor Angel Taveras. "This workshop is a great opportunity for homeowners who are in fiscal crisis or at risk of foreclosure to learn how to protect themselves against mortgage modification scams and connect with resources that are available to assist them."

On hand to assist homeowners will be HUD-certified counseling agencies including Rhode Island Housing, Housing Network of RI, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, Olneyville Housing Development Corporation, SWAP (Stop Wasting Abandoned Property), Money Management International and Community Works Rhode Island, as well as Rhode Island Legal Services, Helping Hands Community Partners and the Center for Southeast Asians.

Representatives from HUD and FNMA (Fannie Mae) will be available, and mortgage servicers Bank of America and Wells Fargo will be able to answer questions and provide information about possible mortgage modification programs, and to assist homeowners, when appropriate, in starting the process of seeking mortgage relief.

"Rhode Island Housing's counselors have provided free foreclosure prevention counseling to almost 9,400 Rhode Island homeowners in addition to providing foreclosure mediation services to homeowners in the five communities with local foreclosure mediation ordinances," said Gayle Corrigan, Deputy Director, Rhode Island Housing. "This new law is an important tool to help direct homeowners to the resources they need early enough in the foreclosure process to make a difference. We are confident that it will result in fewer foreclosures."

Pre registration is not required and parking is free. To learn more about the Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention and Loan Modification Workshop, please contact Tammy Miller, Director of Consumer Protection for the Office of Attorney General, at 401-274-4400 ext. 2397, or visit www.riag.ri.gov. Spanish speaking representatives will be available.